NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE
A 2% across-the-board raise and reducing/eliminating garbage fees for next year (only) -- are on the agenda for the Aug. 15th council work session, concerning policy issues (FY 2012 budget).
The cost for the raises was estimated to be about $300,000/yr.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED
Partially "self-insuring" employee healthcare (with no premium changes) could save the city up to $250,000 yearly.
Hiring 5 new employees (3 full times and 2 part time). 2 are police.
Transferring more from utilities to the general fund (up to 75%?) -- since utility "reserves" have increased.
Reducing flower-planting expenses (fewer "bulbs")
Legal expenses that are projected to be between $300,000 - $500,000 (mostly due to one case).
Comments
So if you want to go back to 2005 levels, we need to layoff some police and fire officers, cut back on the old people's center, and close the rec center. Probably shut down the golf course as well. Getting rid of the handful of utility employees is probably not an option.
In the private sector these days, if you asked for a raise they'd laugh in your face and tell you to be happy you have a job. Gov employees aren't privileged because their bosses can just keep raising taxes and fees. Wait for the economy to improve (when Obama leaves office) like everyone else.